Mastoidectomy

Discover how a mastoidectomy can help reduce symptoms of ENT conditions.

The structures inside of your ears influence how well you feel and function each day. When any of these parts are compromised by injury or illness, they induce symptoms that can disrupt your normal routine and ability to carry out normal tasks. If you suffer from chronic inner ear conditions, your doctor may recommend that you undergo a procedure called a mastoidectomy.

Involves removing the mastoid, the part of the skull located behind the ears on each side

The mastoid resembles a honeycomb and contains air cells that influence basic functions, like balance

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When the air cells in the mastoid become diseased, they can cause illnesses that make it difficult for you to live normally. In severe cases that do not respond to treatments like antibiotics or the use of steroids, physicians often recommend that patients undergo a mastoidectomy.

Depending on the severity of your conditions and the nature of the illness from which you suffer, you may need to have not only the mastoid cells but also some of your middle ear structures removed. This removal may be necessary to help you regain your balance and restore your ability to smell, taste, and hear.

What Conditions are Treated by a Mastoidectomy?

ENT surgeons may recommend a mastoidectomy for patients who suffer from a number of moderate to severe ears, nose, and throat conditions. Some of the primary conditions treated with this surgery include:

It can also be recommended for patients who experience sudden loss of their ability to taste, hear, and smell.

Mastoidectomy Procedure

The procedure itself only takes about an hour to complete in the operating room. After you are put to sleep, your surgeon will make an incision behind your ear and into the mastoid tissue.

Using devices like a surgical suction, he or she will then remove the diseased air cells from this part of your head. In rare cases, the surgery might inflict damage to the nerves in your face. To avoid this complication, your surgeon may use a nerve detection device to ensure that all of the nerves in your face still function properly and are not damaged by the cutting, drilling, or suctioning.

After the surgery is over, your incision will be sutured and bandaged before you are taking to a recovery room to awaken and remain under observation. As with any surgery, you may experience minor side effects that warrant appropriate medical attention. For example, it is not uncommon for patients to suffer from mild headaches and facial pain. The area where the doctor made the incision also may be sore.

Recovery

Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications for you to take as you heal. You also might be prescribed antibiotics to minimize the risk of post-surgical infection. You should follow up with your surgeon as recommended and take the appropriate amount of time off from work or school to allow yourself to heal properly.

Once you are fully recovered, you should notice a marked improvement in your ears, nose, and throat health. You may be able to hear, smell, and taste better. You also may no longer suffer from intense vertigo that includes dizziness, wobbliness, and severe nausea or vomiting.

You likewise might no longer suffer from recurrent throat infections like strep or tonsillitis. This surgery may give you back your normal function and help you avoid having to undergo more extensive care for ear, nose, and throat conditions that used to interrupt your daily life.

A mastoidectomy could be your best solution for regaining your health after suffering from intense and debilitating ear, nose, and throat illnesses. Before you undergo this surgery, you can benefit by learning for what reasons it is commonly performed today.

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